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Dogs and other pets want to take advantage of nice weather just as much – if not more – than you. Their tendency to put their noses in the ground, eat random clumps of grass and of course walk with their bare paws all over the ground, though, making their time outdoors potentially more dangerous. By only using safe fertilizers to get your spring lawn looking its best, you’ll go a long way in keeping your pets healthy.

Fertilizer Types

Fertilizer comes in two basic types – granular and liquid. Granules are sprinkled onto the ground and slowly absorbed by plants. Water-based fertilizer is sprayed on and is absorbed more quickly.

Fertilizer Ingredients

Most commercially-available fertilizers contain natural, essentially non-toxic ingredients like nitrogen and phosphorous. Some may contain iron, which can cause poisoning if ingested in sufficient quantity. A select few may contain the insecticides, limited in use by the Environmental Protection Agency. Ingestion of these chemicals by an animal can result in life-threatening symptoms. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has come in contact with them. Organic fertilizers pose serious dangers to pets as well, especially dogs, who are drawn to the ingredients that may include bone, blood or fish meal, as many of the ingredients are still toxic.

Safe Fertilizer Options

Seaweed is nitrogen-rich and available as a solid or liquid application.

Grass clippings left on your lawn eliminate the need for up to 20 percent of the normal amount of nitrogen fertilizer. Long clippings are bad for the lawn, so mow regularly to get the benefit.

Compost is an effective and inexpensive homemade fertilizer. Drawbacks include the volume required to get the necessary nitrogen and the potential that your dog may find the smell alluring and dig, dig, dig.

Necessary Precautions

Regardless of the type of fertilizer you use, always follow directions and heed warnings printed on the package. Generally, it’s a safe rule-of-thumb to keep pets off the affected area for at least 24 hours after fertilizing. Wet or dry fertilizer can get on and into your pet’s’ paws if they walk on it before it’s been absorbed. Keep the fertilizer completely sealed and out of reach when not in use. The temptation for your dog to eat it right out of the bag is strong. That can cause serious health issues, including death, no matter how safe the fertilizer is.

Many of us pet lovers know what it’s like to have a dog that inevitably gets old. Their lifespan is so much shorter than ours that some people experience it several times in a lifetime. When your dog becomes elderly, it is a time to realize that your time together is limited and make the very best of it. Dogs become part of our families, so with that in mind, here are some things you can do to to care for your elderly dog with love.

Comfort

One thing dogs and people have in common is that getting old can be challenging. We’re both prone to all sorts of conditions more frequently as we age. Many people love to sleep with their pets. While a young small dog can jump up on a bed without a problem, an older small dog probably won’t be quite as agile. You can actually buy stairs that lead up to your bed so your little friend can always get on the bed and have a nap. Make it a point to spend more time petting and doing things your dog likes. This will comfort him/her through the trials of aging and reduce your stress levels as well. Dogs love routines. They know what time you are going to arrive home every day before they ever hear you car in the driveway. Greet them as lovingly as they greet you when return home. Make the absolute best of this time, because these times are what you remember when your furry friend heads over the rainbow bridge.

Activities

You may not be able to teach an old dog a new trick but it doesn’t mean they can’t play and have fun. If your furry friend still enjoys walks, keep them going. This can actually ease the discomfort of aging that dogs experience by keeping them from getting stiff due to inactivity. Take him/her to a dog park, throw a ball around, or any game your dog enjoys. Older dogs don’t lose their love for a good game of fetch so play regularly.

Nutrition

As dogs get older their nutritional needs change as well. Find a good dog food made for seniors that your vet recommends. There are also supplements for dogs that taste like treats and help keep your old friend healthy.

Dog runs and dog parks are popular locations for owners and pets alike. Aside from exercising in the great outdoors, these pet-friendly parks allow socialization for everyone involved – or almost everyone. It seems like there is always that one owner or pet that threatens to ruin it for everyone. We’ve compiled a list of awesome tips to help anybody through the daunting first time – and every time thereafter!

Do

Make sure your dog is healthy, up to date on all vaccinations and is sporting current rabies tags and licenses.

Bring water, waste disposal bags for clean up (be sure to pick up after your dog!), and a leash.

Know what your pet can handle, make sure this is not the first time you are exposing your furry friend to other dogs.

Observe the atmosphere before joining the fun. Approach slowly with your dog on a leash. Make sure your dog is calm before letting him/her off the leash. Be cautious when entering the gates so no other dogs escape.

Calmly remove your dog and leave the park if there is an over-aggressive dog and/or a fight.

Remove your dog if she/he is being overly aggressive and you cannot calm him/her.

Don’t

Don’t force your dog into the fray if he/she is nervous and don’t stay if she/he remains nervous/fearful. It will only make things worse for everyone.

Don’t bring small children to the park. It is difficult to watch your kids and your dog but more importantly, some of the other dogs may not be accustomed to kids.

Don’t spend your time reading a book, checking your email, or playing Candy Crush Saga. Stay engaged and watch out for your best friend.

Don’t overreact to simple play. Be aware of what normal playful behaviors are and know how to identify them. Remember, dogs will growl, wrestle, sniff, and chase each other so just enjoy it!

Don’t lose track of your furry friend or leave him/her unattended!

Dog parks and runs can be a great deal of fun for owners and furry friends if proper etiquette is observed. Don’t be that guy (or girl) – make sure your dog is just as ready as you are!

Dogs can sometimes surprise you with their ability to grow. That pretty puppy you pick up from the pound may not stay that way for long! If you have a small house, then you will likely do better with a small dog. Here are five of the best breeds for you.

The Dachshund

If you are looking for a best friend, the dachshund is an excellent small dog breed that is known for its loyalty. Although you may not want to invest in this breed if you have small children, the dachshund is a great pick for singles in big cities, as they were originally bred as watchdogs. The dachshund will keep you busy, as it is very adventurous, so be sure that you try to reduce the dirty crevices in your home!

Dachshunds have a unique look with an extended body and floppy ears that is quite unique and is a favorite among leagues.

The Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a great small breed with the exquisite, puffy coat of a poodle and the soft demeanor of a Shih Tzu. Unlike the dachshund that may attempt to bully small children, the Bichon Frise is actually well known as a companion of small kids. The dog is very easy to train as well and gets along with other animals, including cats. It is an active dog and will keep the energy in your home high with its lively attitude.

The Pekingese

The Pekingese is the closest that you can get to a small dog pug look without going completely pug. This is an aggressive breed, so it does the job as a watchdog, but do not choose this breed for small houses with children. If you have other pets in the home, you may also need to look to another breed first! You will get to know your Pekingese very well, as its thick undercoat requires daily maintenance; otherwise, you will find your small house completely covered with hair. Its slightly aggressive nature and shedding tendencies aside, however, the Pekingese is a great small dog breed for singles or newlyweds who plan to stay a childless couple for a while.

The Skye Terrier

If you want a constant companion that you can take outdoors, then the Skye Terrier is the perfect small dog for you. Its long hair gives it a look of chivalry that dog competitions love, so many singles will choose these dogs in order to compete them. The Skye is also a very dependable dog that loves people but hates cats in general. It is perhaps the best breed on this list for bikers, runners and soccer moms walking small children around the neighborhood.

The Maltese

The Maltese is an easily maintained small dog. It does not shed, and it generally gets along with adults, small children and other pets that you may have. The easy maintenance ends, however, when you try to leave this breed alone for too long. Bred as a companion dog, it will start to exhibit nervous behavior if it is left in the house for too long by itself.

As the warmer months approach, it is important to remember that your beloved dogs are vulnerable to hot weather. Excessive exposure to the heat and sun may cause dogs sunburn, dehydration, and other side effects experienced by humans. However, unlike humans, dogs do not have the ability to sweat through the skin, only through their feet’s pad. Moreover, dogs cool themselves through panting. Because of these, they can get really warm during the hot seasons.

Tip #1: Give them access to water.

Clean and fresh water is a must in a hot weather. As a pet parent, you must ensure that your dog has 24-hour access to clean and fresh water to keep it hydrated. When you go for walks with your dog, remember to also bring collapsible water dispenser and bowl with you. For longer travels, it is also advisable to keep one in your car.

Tip #2: Never abandon your dog in the car.

The temperature in a car can reach up to 120 degrees in a warm weather even with an open window. Imagine how uncomfortable it would be if you leave your dog inside your car! Even if you turn on air conditioning, it is not an assurance that it will improve your car’s environment for your dog.

Tip #3: Don’t forget sunscreen application.

Sunburns are as uncomfortable for dogs as they are for humans. Even the furriest dogs can still get sunburned. Overexposure to the sun can cause skin to be flaky and peeling. Applying sunscreen, especially around the mouth, in the ears and nose, will help protect your dog from the harmful effects of the sun.

Tip #4: Schedule logical walks.

Daily walks are important in maintaining the good health of your pet. To avoid the hottest temperature during warm months, it is best to schedule those walks early in the morning or evening. Take note also that the pavement and sidewalk can get too hot during the day, which can burn the pads of your dog’s feet.

Tip #5: Be careful during water play.

Spending some playtime in a refreshing body of water is a great way to cool off. Most dogs know how to swim and enjoy plunging into water. However, you must take note of your dog’s breed, stamina and past encounter with water. This is because there are certain dogs that are not great swimmers. A pool or a lake may be overwhelming to a puppy or a first timer dog. In such a case, you can find dog-friendly pools and some even offer swimming lessons for your dogs.

Recently, Miss P, an adorable beagle bagged the title ”Best in Show” in a dog contest hosted by the Westminster Kennel Club. She is the second beagle to bag this priceless award next to her great uncle Uno. This is perhaps because of their natural appeal and charm. However, there probably are many things that you didn’t know about beagles apart from their charming looks.

In this article, we try to list down some of them.

They are Known as a Scent Hound

Beagles are one of the dogs that have strong sense of smell. They are known as a scent hound and often, they help hunters get their preys such as foxes and rabbits. Instead of relying on their eyes, beagles tend to use their strong sense of smell when following animals.

Their Ears are Powerful

Like their nose, their ears are also powerful. In point of fact, their ears are the ones which help trap scents and keep them close to their nose. Their big ears set them apart from other breed dogs which make them look more adorable.

They are Highly Independent

Beagles love being surrounded by other dogs and even by humans. However, they are highly independent because of their strong sense of smell. Because of this trait, beagles are somewhat hard to train. Nonetheless, they are good followers once you catch their attention.

They are Family Oriented

Apart from being friendly to humans, beagles are very attached to their families. They want to take good care of their children and share with them every treat they get from their pet owners. Certainly, beagles are for keeps as they are not aggressive like other dogs.

They are Strong and Healthy

Another good reason to love beagles is that it is much easier to take care of them than other dogs. Essentially, they are naturally healthy and strong so you will always have a great time playing with them. Nonetheless, you still have to watch their health regularly.

Most of us would agree that dogs are one of the most adorable creatures in the world. They have interesting characteristics that makes them special. Are you curious to know about these qualities?

1. Dogs respond well to our emotions.

Have you ever experienced your dog resting on your lap every time you feel sad? Does he hide out of your sight when you are mad? Dogs can sense what we feel, thus they are able to respond accordingly. Science doesn’t have an explanation for this yet, but there is strong proof that exists to prove their empathy.

2. Trained dogs are almost as smart as a 2-year old kid

Yes, you heard it right. In fact, they can comprehend about 160 words. They like simple and concise words as compared to the ones who have more than one syllable. If you want to teach your dog some words, you need to be patient and consistent.

3. Dogs can actually smell if someone is afraid.

Everyone knows about how sharp a dog’s sense of smell can be, but did you know that it is possible for them to know when you are afraid? This is due to some hormones being produced when someone is scared. Experts say that the dog’s sense of smell is thousands greater than that of the average person. Their ability to detect chemical changes in humans has been a useful tool for those who suffer from many conditions.

4. Dogs find great joy in food.

Dogs devour the food that we prepared for them in a matter of minutes after we have given it. Apparently, they love eating as much as we do. They are willing to risk being reprimanded rather than to leave food untouched. They also have this mannerism of waiting for you to look away first before proceeding to eat the meal.

5. Dogs are not huggers.

Dogs interpret hugs as a threat to their safety. As a result, they feel uneasy every time someone tries to give them a hug. They can tolerate it, but the chances are small that they will appreciate it. Observe their reaction when you try to give them a quick hug, you will be astonished.

Tasty dog treats are one of the things that your dog look forward to every day. By giving him treats, you are able to show him your love and affection. Also, giving your dogs delicious treats is a great way to motivate your dog during training sessions. Dog treats are easy to make especially when you do it yourself. What’s more, you can make sure that these treats are healthy and nutritious.

Why Give your Dog Sweet Potato Rings

One of the healthiest and most nutritious treats that you can make for your dog is sweet potato rings. Sweet potatoes are sure to boost your dog’s muscle health since they contain lots of amino acids. They are also rich in antioxidants. Above all, they can improve your dog’s digestion and even contain essential vitamins such as vitamins A, B6 and C as well as copper and iron.

How to Make Sweet Potato Rings

To make sweet potato rings, you will need the following:

1 medium sweet potato

1 egg, beaten

1 tbsp of flaxseed meal

1 3/4 cups of whole wheat flour

Parchment paper

Cookie sheet

To start, preheat the oven by 350 degrees. Grease a baking sheet lightly or line with parchment paper. Next, boil the sweet potato over high heat. Puree the sweet potato using a blender or any food processor. Mix the flour well with flax seed together with the egg and sweet potato. Make O-shaped rings using dough. Place all the rings on the cookie sheet and using a pastry brush, lightly brush them with egg. Lastly, bake them for 28 minutes until golden brown. Once cooled, serve and give your dog these mouth-watering treats.

Your dog is sure to love this healthy and delicious treat and he will love it more because it is naturally made by a loving pet owner like you. If you like, you can also hand some of these treats to your friends’ dogs.

Whatever season it is, it’s always fun to go to the beach. And what could be more exciting than bringing your pet with you? Luckily, you can always take your dog with you when going to the beach. Give your canine buddy a special treat and have a great time together at the most beautiful and most captivating beaches in the country.

Cannon Beach at Oregon

If fresh air and plenty of exercise is what you’re looking for, this beach is certainly the place to be. The space is wide enough for your dog and he will surely love the sand and the giant rock formations. However, your dog needs to be leashed and his voice must be under control.

Fort de Soto Park at St. Petersburg, Florida

Your dog will have more freedom here since your dog will be allowed to roam around a certain portion of the beach without a leash. If your dog is a small breed dog, he can still play safely with the other dogs since they have a separate fence away from the large ones.

Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area at Manasquan, New Jersey

Like most beaches, your dog is very much welcome here but with his leash on. Nonetheless, you’ll still have a great time watching the panoramic view of this beach.

The Original Dog Beach at San Diego, California

Dogs of all sizes, colors, shapes and breeds are welcome in this beach. This is actually why it’s called ”The Original Dog Beach.” What’s more fun is that your pet can roam around the beach without his leash.

Oak Island Beaches at Wilmington, North Carolina

This beach is very family-friendly and at the same time dog-friendly. Your pet will surely enjoy hanging around the beach while bathing in the sea and playing with natural toys in the water. In the end, it’s not just your pet that will have fun; you will also love staying in this beach as it will help you relax and have quality time with your beloved pet.